When you think of comfort food, what springs to mind? For me, it’s all about Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. Imagine sinking your fork into giant pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and flavorful spinach. savory spinach mushroom quesadillas The aroma wafts through the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm hug. It’s an experience that transcends mere eating; it’s a journey back to family dinners where laughter mingled with the clinking of forks.
Now picture this: a cozy evening, friends gathered around the table, and the delight on their faces as they take their first bite. These stuffed shells are not just a dish; they’re a celebration of flavors that make even the pickiest eaters smile. cozy Cajun potato soup Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these cheesy delights promise to impress!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy nights. The rich flavor combination will have everyone coming back for seconds. With their vibrant presentation, they’re sure to be the star of any dinner table. Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize based on personal tastes or dietary needs. [/info_box]
I once served these delicious shells at a potluck, and my friend Mark couldn’t stop raving about them, even asking for seconds… and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These hearty pasta pieces are perfect for holding all that gooey goodness inside.
Ricotta Cheese: Look for fresh ricotta; it enhances creaminess and adds richness to the filling.
Fresh Spinach: Opt for vibrant green spinach; it brings color and nutrients while balancing flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan offers a delicious salty kick that pairs beautifully with ricotta. roasted potatoes with feta.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for that extra flavor boost.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder elevates the taste profile without overwhelming other flavors.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds depth and warmth to your cheese mixture.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all those wonderful flavors in your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Kitchen Space: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting for your oven’s magical heat, gather all your ingredients so you’re organized during the cooking process.
Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil water in a large pot. Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them carefully—no one likes broken shells—and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cooked spinach (drained), grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This filling should be creamy and aromatic—trust me; it’s heavenly!
Stuff Those Shells: Using a spoon or piping bag (yes, we’re fancy), fill each shell generously with the cheesy spinach filling. Don’t skimp; they deserve all that cheesy goodness.
Create Your Baking Dish Layering Magic: Spread half of your marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds flavor. Arrange the stuffed shells neatly in rows atop this saucy bed.
Add More Sauce and Cheese on Top!: Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells like a cozy blanket. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for that crispy finish when baking.
Bake Until Golden Deliciousness Occurs!: Cover with aluminum foil (shiny side down) and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes for golden crust perfection.
And there you have it! Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are ready to serve! Just let them rest for about five minutes before diving in—trust me; they’ll taste even better after some patience! For more inspiration, check out this Zucchini Boats with Ricotta Filling recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are not just a meal; they’re an experience. The rich flavors paired with gooey cheese create a comforting dish that warms the soul. Plus, they look stunning on any dinner table, impressing both family and friends! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta shells while you prepare the cheese filling. This way, everything comes together seamlessly and remains hot for serving.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap spinach for kale or add some diced sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor punch. sun-dried tomato grilled cheese Getting creative can turn this dish into your signature masterpiece!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfectly cooked shells, ensure they are al dente before stuffing. Use fresh spinach for a vibrant flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking adds a delightful crust. [/info_box]
Cooking these Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells always brings back memories of family gatherings, where laughter and delicious food filled the air, making every bite special. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Zucchini Boats with Spinach recipe.
FAQ
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as alternatives to ricotta.
Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, prepare them earlier and refrigerate until baking time to save effort later.
How do I prevent shells from sticking together?
Drizzle olive oil on cooked shells and gently separate them to avoid sticking.
Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (3 stuffed shells each) 1x
Description
Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings with family or friends. These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, topped with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This dish not only warms the heart but also brings smiles to everyone at the dinner table. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, these stuffed shells are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, cooked and drained
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil water in a large pot and cook jumbo shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, cooked spinach, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish; place stuffed shells on top.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over shells and sprinkle with more Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil for the last 10 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
